Learn more about the latest in new battery technology and discover the next generation in battery and energy storage with expert analysis by Power Systems Research analysts.
The rising demand for zero-emission mobility goes beyond the nice idea of preventing a catastrophic climate crisis. EVs are a better fit for the connected, electrified lifestyle of the 21st century; they offer more opportunities for convenience, they are more useful for weathering power outages and climate-connected emergencies, and they are more adaptable to the needs of fleet managers, among other advantages.
However, while some researchers note that “salt batteries” are not quite ready for prime time, other stakeholders — including industry leader CATL — are already laying plans for mass production. Last month, CATL also burned up the Internet when it announced a suite of two sodium-ion batteries ready for full volume production by the end of this year.
The first BMW EVs powered by all-solid-state batteries are now on the road for testing. BMW used an i7 to test the “holy grail” of EV battery tech, promising longer driving range at a lower cost.
BMW and Solid Power have been working together since 2022 to advance the new EV battery tech. In December 2022, BMW revealed plans to license Solid Power’s tech for a new solid cell prototype line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf, Germany.
According to CnEVPost, Chinese automaker Changan claims it has developed a solid-state battery that will allow electric cars to travel up to 1500 kilometers without needing to be recharged. That’s a massive 932 miles.
Changan says its batteries will be in production by the end of this year, with verification and calibration procedures taking place next year. By 2027, it expects production cars using its solid-state batteries to be on the road in China.
A few weeks ago, BYD announced new battery technology that allows electric cars to recharge in about 5 minutes. This month, at the annual Shanghai Auto Show, CATL fired back with fast charging news of its own. It claims its second generation Shenxing battery can add 520 kilometers (323 miles) of range in just five minutes of charging time. The BYD announcement claims its batteries can add 400 kilometers (250 miles) in 5 minutes using a Level 3 fast charger
At EES Europe 2025, one of the leading events for the energy storage industry, Aeson Power debuted its sodium battery energy storage product line, including the SIBPOM-4850 for telecommunications, the SIBPOM-12100 for UPS, and the SIBPOM-125kWh energy storage cabinet for C&I-scale use.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, have developed a new electrolyte system for magnesium anodes, which they claim demonstrates a potential alternative to lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries through superior performance.
The team suggests halide-free Mg batteries surpass previous batteries in terms of safety, efficiency and stability. The aging effects of energy storage are also apparently mitigated with magnesium, which the team claimed would lead to a longer lifespan of the battery.
The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) officially announced that it would implement a strategic reorganization of the three state-owned automotive enterprises—FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, and Changan Automobile. The goal is to “build a world-class automotive group with global competitiveness, independent core technologies, and the ability to lead the transformation of intelligent and connected vehicles.”
The combined annual production capacity of the three central state-owned enterprises exceeds 8 million vehicles, yet the market share of their owned brands is less than 15%. The fragmented R&D investment has led to low efficiency in technological advances. After the reorganization, technological synergy will become a core focus. For example, a joint innovation consortium will be established in 28 “chokepoint” areas, such as automotive-grade chips and domain controllers, to concentrate resources on overcoming technological barriers.
Trump gives other nations a real opportunity. Ilika is known for its micro-batteries, and the firm is now heading towards commercial production of its ”Goliath” solid-state EV battery with an assist from the UK government. In September, the company announced that a prototype version of its Goliath solid-state EV battery cell passed a critical safety test, and things have been moving along quickly since then. On Oct. 3, the company reported that the completion of additional safety tests for its D5 prototype solid-state EV battery
Today’s Li-ion EV batteries are designed with safety at the forefront. Though fires can occur, they are extremely rare, and they are proportionally rarer than fires involving internal combustion vehicles. So, if a solid-state EV battery can reduce if not eliminate the need for elaborate safety systems, the payout can be significant for automakers seeking a foothold in the affordable EV market of the future
The battery and energy storage industry is watching intently the pending trade war between the US and its trade partners. Few industry players are willing to talk on the record about the situation – not least because it is a turbulent and unclear time.
But James Greenberger, executive director of the battery association NAATBatt International told BEST that trade tariffs may benefit certain industries in the US. But the lithium battery industry “will not be one of them,” he said.
